The Voice - Student Newspaper

Alternative Thanksgiving ideas

By Kavitha Sundralingam
Freelance Reporter, The VOICE

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and everybody does the same thing.

It's an annual family reunion at grandma's house. We sit around the table and stuff ourselves with turkey and green bean casseroles. We'll watch some football and then eat some more. Throw in some holiday shopping, play some Uno games, and call it a day.

Some love it, but others are looking for a change.

This November, break the Thanksgiving tradition, and shake things up by giving yourself the opportunity to try something new.

Try venturing out to a different place. Take a road trip to somewhere you've been wanting to go to but have constantly put off.

Or join friends and family who are making weekend trip to go skiing or camping.

Snow lovers usually spend their late November skiing, snowboarding or just relaxing at the ski resorts.

Looking for a grand Thanksgiving at your travel destination? The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will consist of bands, dancers, floats, and giant character balloons.

When it comes to the feast, the main course is obviously the turkey. What if turkey is not exactly your ideal meal?

The Salvation Army and United Food Bank in the valley are providing feasts for the less fortunate; it's a great way to volunteer with your loved ones and help make everyone's Thanksgiving worthwhile.

The turkey tradition does not leave the vegetarians out.

Tofurkey is a vegetarian turkey. It is made out of tofu, which is the alternative for the meat.

The purpose of Thanksgiving is being thankful for what we have.

Donations usually consist of clothes, food, and other daily necessities. Instead of donating product, you can donate blood- the gift of life. There are people out there in need of this precious donation, and you can be a true lifesaver this thanksgiving.

The cold weather brings about too much relaxing and over-indulging. Try to switch things up a bit. Bring your family on an adventurous hiking trip. The warm sun and chill wind will be just right for a day of fun and exercise.

Parents can get their children involved in activities while they are preparing the food.

Who says there should be only Christmas trees? Children can make a Thanksgiving tree by collecting dried leaves, writing down the things they are thankful for on them and sticking them on poster boards.

Some families opt for the stress-free Thanksgiving that involves no cooking, no cleaning, and just enjoying.

Restaurants in Phoenix are offering Thanksgiving meals for families who decide not to eat at home.

However you decide to celebrate your Thanksgiving, whether skiing on the mountains, volunteering at the soup kitchen, or celebrating in the comfort of your home, remember to spend it with the people you love. Make this Thanksgiving an unforgettable one.